Tasmania

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Welcome… Come Explore Tasmania!

Also known as ‘Tassie’ to Australians, & the place we call home. Tasmania besides being the island state of Australia, it’s also the smallest state. A total Tasmania area being 68,401 km2 (26,410 sq mi) but don’t let the size fool you. Tasmania is steeped in history, brimming with natural splendours, wildlife & amazing scenery is just the tip of the iceberg.

Come explore Tasmania and discover an abundance of producers specialising in gourmet foods, cold climate wines, cider, & boutique spirits. A list of specialty items, that just keeps growing. We want to help you to get the most of your visit as you navigate your way around the island. Our mission here is to take you wandering around this beautiful state – ‘one bite at a time’. We love this state and all it has to offer, so let us guide you. I have lived here for 10 years & we are only scratched the surface of what’s on offer.

We have included a guide on getting to Tasmania, our seasons & temperature. Plus, some of our favourite places to stay, visit & eat, we have also included some packing tips. This is so you can easily come explore Tasmania travelling around ‘one bite at a time’. Over time we will be including recommendations for short or longer itineraries, throughout the state.

The basic information for Australia applies, though many a joke has been told about needing a passport to enter Tasmania. Not true!! – we just require you have a separate visa (joking!!!).

Joking aside there are some requirements for Coming to Tasmania at the present moment. These are above the regular biosecurity requirements. Please check to make sure you have everything covered.

Pictorial image of Port Arthur, Tasmania

Image of Crater Lake in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Image of two Tasmanian Devils at Devils @ Cradle in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

Image of Horseshoe Falls in Mount Field National Park, Tasmania

Getting to Tasmania

Being separated from mainland Australia by Bass Strait, an addition journey is required to come explore Tasmania. In the case of international travellers this would be an additional journey. Which is well worth the trip.

The two main ways to travel to Tasmania from mainland Australia, is flying in with a domestic airline or catching the ferry. The ferry also carries cars if you are driving from another state or road tripping around Australia.

Something to think about, we have put together some useful information for you. So you can decide will you fly or float?

Planes on a tarmac representing Virgin & Jetstar two domestic airlines of Australia one option to come explore Tasmania

Flying

When you come explore Tasmania there are two major airports. Hobart (our capital) in the south & Launceston in the north. I strongly recommend flying into one, then flying out of the other, if time permits. Allowing you to get the most out of your trip to Tasmania. Multi destination flights are an easy way to achieve this & can be booked through Expedia, or enquire with your local airline.

If time permits you could, book a return flight to one of the major airports & do a loop around the state. Once arrived we recommend hiring a car if you are looking to spread your wings. Public transport is limited on the island, though many tour operators will pick up from a central spot if you desire.

Pictorial representation of the Spirit of Tasmania stock photo from Depositphotos

Ferry

Alternatively, can catch the Spirit of Tasmania our ferry that presently operates out of Port Melbourne arriving in Devonport. This lets you come explore Tasmania in your own vehicle. The ferry caters for individuals, cars, caravans & campers with a duration of 12+hours from boarding to docking.

If you come on as an individual, you can hire a car at Devonport where the ferry docks. Another option is to bring your own car, caravan/camper with you on the ferry. Bookings on the ferry are essential & in peak seasons these can be hard to obtain at short notice.

To help with your decision, the Fly or Float comparison, is where we look at prices, times etc.

Moving around Tasmania

It’s a fine balance we walk in Tasmania, wanting to show off our abundance, whilst protecting our native fauna. Early morning or late evening walks around country accommodation or one of the National parks will reveal some of our native wonders. If you plan on visit to one or more National park when you come explore Tasmania, we recommend getting a parks pass. Additionally, there are several wildlife sanctuaries around the state that care for the orphaned, injured or sick. Visiting a sanctuary can help make a difference.

Caution: If you choose to drive around when you come explore Tasmania! We ask you to be aware especially at dawn, dusk and the evening, as the island is brimming with wildlife. These times are when many come out to graze & can often be seen at the side of our roads.

Seasons

Whilst the seasons are the same for all of Australia. When you come explore Tasmania you will discover a cooler climate, mean temperature, rainfall, sunlight & wind gust per months are pictured below. Other town specific weather information can be found at the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Mean Hobart Climate (Source: BOM – 31 Mar, 21)

Graphical representation of temperature for Hobart, Australia

Graphical representation of Mean Rainfall for Hobart, Australia

Graphical representation of daylight (hrs/day) for Hobart, Australia

Graphical representation of windgust for Hobart, Australia

The best times to come explore Tasmania

Many a joke is made about Tasmania & its ‘seasons’, especially Summer. Often promoting questions like ‘which week in January/February is summer’. I won’t lie as I write this (December, 2021) whilst it’s summer here, being in the southern hemisphere. We’ve had an occasional drop of snow (Hobart & Cradle Mountain), wind & rain. This has seen our morning temperatures dropping back to 10ºC & under. So when you come explore Tasmania be prepared for, you may get four seasons in a day.

Being a food scientist, I am often all about eating & drinking. For me, Spring & Summer are the best times to come explore Tasmania. If you like to frolic in the snow, May – September will be the time to come. Above some monthly averages (Hobart), to help you plan ‘your’ best times to come.

Caution: this is a guide, weather here can change from north to south, so we recommend no matter what the weatherperson says bring a coat!

Accommodation

I am not going to lie! We love our comforts (though I try to be frugal – ha ha) & have reviewed 13 of the Best Luxury Hotels to stay in Hobart. Still, I always hunt down the most affordable options for our luxury stays. As an ALL-Accor Live Limitless member, we take advantage of any free nights we have & frequently use points to supplement our love of luxury. Points or pay is a frequent question we pose when planning our trips & if it benefits us we will use points. We have an article, showing our Points or Pay system, including the how & when we decide.

In addition to regular style hotels, Tassie have a love for old homesteads or old hotels steeped in history. When you come explore Tasmania you will find these dotted all around the state and they are beautiful to see. Additionally, many have been made into boutique hotels & B&B’s. These can be booked through hotels.com, booking.com, hotels combined, stayz.com.au or Airbnb for house stays. Alternatively you can book through Stay22 who offer a choice from both.

Alternative Accommodation Style

The ever popular ‘shack’ is one other style of accommodation popular in Tassie. You may be chuckling about the ‘shack’ terminology but that is what they are called. Though they are so far removed from what you would imagine a shack to be like, it is funny. Tasmanian Shacklife offer links to an assortment of shacks across the state that you can rent for your stay (some with minimum night rentals).

Graphic of Black Shack on Flinders Island

Image of Luna Lodge Dome an example of glamping in Tasmania

Graphic of the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat set up at night

Lastly, we have glamping in various areas of the state something we are yet to try two prime examples of this are. Luna Lodge in the south east a luxury farmstay, just 30 minutes from Hobart & the Coal River vineyards. Whilst Bay of Fires Bush Retreat in the north, is just moments from the Bay of Fires & just down the road is Binnalong Bay where its possible to snorkel & kayak. As the photos show they are five star all the way, I can’t wait to try it out…shhh don’t tell Greg

When we are staying longer than 3 nights anywhere there is always the hotel or homestay decision to make. I have to say homestay mostly wins to keep our packing to a minimum…

Packing

You should be ready when you come explore Tasmania. The weather is decidedly different from the rest of Australia, you really can experience four seasons in one day. When traveling around Tasmania, we strongly suggest packing a coat, light for summer heavier for winter. Although, don’t let the cool air fool you, like the rest of Australia, Tasmania’s sun can be quite intense. Packing a hat & good sunscreen is recommended for all seasons in Tasmania.

If you plan to go on any walking trails, make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes or boots, these can be steep & slippery. Included in our FREE Travel Checklists, are packing checklists for hot & cold climate. For Tassie I recommend a blend of both our packing lists, we are currently writing an article regarding packing cold weather, sign up and be first to know when it’s published.

Though the 4 main things that are a must to pack are a coat, good walking shoes/boots, a hat & good sunscreen.

Whether you are a roller bag or backpack style of traveller, we recommend you at minimum having a day backpack. Packing like any other decision when travelling can get messy! Which is why the packing lists in our FREE Travel Checklists have some guidelines, so the packing doesn’t get out of control.

Itineraries

For a taste of what the island state has to offer when you come explore Tasmania. We recommend at minimum 3-5 days to around Hobart & Launceston. Although, if you can stretch it to 7+ days even better, as the east & west coasts are amazing. Though if you only have 1-2 days I would recommend looking around just one or the other.

The itineraries we are designing will have 1- and 2-day options for you to mix & match or join together for longer stays! Our article on the 13 must do one day itineraries around Hobart, may give you some ideas. This is just one of the articles we plane with things to do in Tasmania during your stay.

No matter what amount of time you spend here, a taste of Tassie, will have you wanting more.

A great selection of guided tours are available through Getyourguide or Book your unique experience with Viator.

Our touring tastes lean heavily towards, historical sites, great walks, food, wine, cider & spirits. I can tell you, we have no trouble finding these options as we travel about. We want to share these with you so you can come explore Tasmania – ‘one bite at a time’ with us. More recently we have found a love for kayaking, & wow there are plenty of choices on our fair island. Lastly, you can’t forget our wonderful flora & fauna. As mentioned, Tasmania has several wildlife sanctuaries if you’d like to get up close and personal with a Tasmanian devil.

Though waterfalls will get me every time & we have plenty of those in Tasmania. So, we’re incorporating all our loves wherever we can in our itineraries. We may even be developing a waterfalls, whisky & wine itinerary series, we will keep you posted.

So, come explore Tasmania with us ‘one bite at a time’.

Other articles that may help you plan your trip to Tasmania.

Coming to Tasmania, should you fly or float?

4 Great stops on the Hobart to Launceston Road Trip

13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart

13 Must Do One Day Itineraries around Hobart

13 Delicious Restaurants Around Hobart CBD

6 Steps to Create YOUR perfect Itinerary!!

7 Essentials to Pack for Cold Climate Destinations

48 Comments

Colleen G on 14 February 2023 at 07:28

I definitely want to get to this part of the world! Great recommendations and info. Thanks!
Reply
- Jeanine on 14 February 2023 at 23:47
  
  Thank you…As much as we love to travel coming home to this amazing part of Australia is also wonderful
  Reply
Lily C. - Office to Outdoors on 13 January 2023 at 03:55

Definitely adding Tasmania to my bucket list! I love your thorough review, especially of hotels – very important to me!
Reply
- Jeanine on 13 January 2023 at 04:34
  
  thank you it’s a great place and hotels are also important to us also
  Reply
Tina on 14 November 2022 at 06:36

I’ve already heard so many great things about Tasmania. It’s definitely on my to-do list. This article has some great tips for when I finally travel there 🙂
Reply
- Jeanine on 14 November 2022 at 09:14
  
  You will love it so much to do and thank you I am glad it has helped
  Reply
Chirasree Banerjee on 3 October 2022 at 05:20

Thank you for providing such a detailed guide. I would love to visit Tasmania someday.
Reply
- Jeanine on 3 October 2022 at 11:17
  
  You are so welcome glad it was helpful…
  Reply
Adriane on 15 July 2022 at 05:01

This is such a great guide! You really give all the information people need to plan their trips.
Reply
- Jeanine on 15 July 2022 at 11:58
  
  Thank you so much I am glad it helps and I like to add as much as possible
  Reply
Jenn on 15 June 2022 at 01:29

This is a great post for starting to plan a trip to Tasmania – thanks for giving such good information about the options to get there, extra passes/ fees needed, and accommodation options. Bookmarking for later.
Reply
- Jeanine on 15 June 2022 at 10:16
  
  Thank you…I am glad you think so I wanted to add as much as possible to the costs of actually getting here and options…
  Reply
Joanna on 14 June 2022 at 10:47

Definitely intrigued, even though Australia and Tasmania are a world away from me. Nature looks so pristine! I’d love to visit someday.
Reply
- Jeanine on 15 June 2022 at 10:15
  
  I am biased but it is a beautiful place to visit in Australia
  Reply
Mary Loise Bandao on 26 May 2022 at 17:57

Tasmania looks absolutely stunning! A piece of paradise, I must say! I can’t wait to have a good time here with my family.
Reply
- Jeanine on 27 May 2022 at 05:15
  
  It is that we are lucky to have it….you will have a great time
  Reply
Lorraine Caputo on 27 April 2022 at 11:18

Tasmania sounds like such a dream to know!

One question: How is public transportation on the island (for those who don’t drive and who are on too tight of a budget to hire private car)?

And how is regular camping on the island?

Thanks!
Reply
- Jeanine on 27 April 2022 at 11:26
  
  It can be a dream to live here so much to see… Public transport (buses) are around but limited it would be possible to get around many places but may take a bit more time to do… re camping Tasmania has an abundance of camp sites, many of which are free or very low cost…
  Reply
Heather on 25 April 2022 at 09:43

I was recently in Melbourne and saw the Tasmania Spirit. I went there years ago and found it beautiful. Great post.
Reply
- Jeanine on 25 April 2022 at 11:34
  
  Thank you… It is a beautiful part of Australia glad you got to visit…and liked it
  Reply
mohana and aninda on 24 April 2022 at 17:20

Tasmania has always been one of those places that I have wanted to visit. Thanks for the helpful info! Maybe we will plan a trip in the next couple of years.
Reply
- Jeanine on 24 April 2022 at 17:46
  
  Thank you… you will love it there is so much here for everyone and different travel styles and tastes…
  Reply
Linda Jane on 24 April 2022 at 09:44

I love Tasmania & you’ve included so much helpful information for planning a trip! I’ve already booked my next Tassie adventure & can’t wait to go hiking on the Tasman Peninsula next summer! Thanks so much for sharing!
Reply
- Jeanine on 24 April 2022 at 17:45
  
  We have just spent the weekend in the Peninsula but only did small walks and even those were spectacular you will love it…
  Reply
Elena Pappalardo on 24 April 2022 at 03:42

I’d love to visit Tasmania. I especially enjoyed reading your notes on the weather, as I’ve always been curious about what it must be like on the other half of the world, haha (I’m from the US). I will definitely keep your guide handy 🙂
Reply
- Jeanine on 24 April 2022 at 17:44
  
  Thank You I am glad you found the notes of interest, Tasmania is a bit different from the rest of Australia we are slightly colder but that would be the case in the US also. But yes when we go to the northern Hemisphere it’s weird dressing for winter in the middle of summer but makes packing easy…
  Reply
Joanna on 23 April 2022 at 18:03

I was in Tasmania for the first time in December/January. I kept asking myself, Why has it taken me so long to get here? It is a State with so much natural beauty and so much to offer.
Reply
- Jeanine on 24 April 2022 at 17:42
  
  I know what you mean before I moved here I had not been at all either and still I am discovering new things…
  Reply
Nicole on 6 April 2022 at 06:58

This is all so useful. I need to save this for my planning, the accommodation options look stunning and a great way to enjoy the surroundings
Reply
- Jeanine on 6 April 2022 at 07:06
  
  Thank you, I like to plan for all things so I can relax when at the destination… glad it was helpful…
  Reply
Sarah B on 3 April 2022 at 05:23

I love those glamping tents! All of this info is so helpful — thank you!
Reply
- Jeanine on 3 April 2022 at 06:11
  
  Thank you…I am glad you found it useful… we had our first glamping experience there and it was amazing
  Reply
Mayra on 26 February 2022 at 07:29

When you mentioned “wildlife sanctuaries” and you talked about spotting wildlife everywhere on the road I was sold. Australia is on my bucket list, but I’ve never thought of Tasmania as a specific destination in the country.
Now I want to spend a whole week there!
Reply
- Jeanine on 27 February 2022 at 17:01
  
  Tasmania doesn’t have the big Kangaroos but we have smaller ones & wallabies and I love the work the Sanctuaries do..
  Reply
Ivana on 4 February 2022 at 21:26

I love how detailed this is! Tasmania looks absolutely stunning!
Reply
- Jeanine on 5 February 2022 at 06:23
  
  Thank you, so much… It is absolutely stunning I love the area. I also love the fact you can see the sun rise over the water, then drive across the island to see it set over the water… haha I journey for me to document maybe..
  Reply
Kathryn on 13 January 2022 at 16:14

Would LOVE to viait Tas! I have extended family in Swan Bay and am really wanting to visit. Hopefully soon. Thanks for the information, it’ll come in handy for my trip!
Reply
- Jeanine on 14 January 2022 at 06:30
  
  It has a lot to offer & lovely…Swan Bay is across from one of my favourite northern wine areas (we are up north)…You are very welcome
  Reply
Alice on 13 January 2022 at 14:17

Wow Tassie looks beautiful! I’ve never been!
Reply
- Jeanine on 14 January 2022 at 06:25
  
  It is very beautiful but then it can also be pretty cold even with 20C day you have the occasional icey wind blow through especially down south… but the sun can be harsh also I do love it here
  Reply
Adventures with Shelby on 13 January 2022 at 14:06

So cool! This is definitely going on my bucket list. Great travel trips!
Reply
- Jeanine on 14 January 2022 at 06:26
  
  Thanks, I try to add everything you need… it is a great place…& should be on everyone’s list (ha ha)
  Reply
simplyjolayne on 10 January 2022 at 10:55

Such an adventure. We love using points as well whenever possible.
Reply
- Jeanine on 10 January 2022 at 15:48
  
  It is a great adventure & hopefully many more… 😉 using points as its my favourite thing (well nearly)
  Reply
Kit on 9 January 2022 at 21:07

This is a great post and SO readable. Love your photos too. 🙂
Reply
- Jeanine on 10 January 2022 at 05:46
  
  Hi Kit Thank you so much I am glad you liked the post & photo’s…Love hearing it was readable..
  Reply
Melissa on 7 January 2022 at 00:18

Tasmania looks amazing! I really wanna go someday!
Reply
- Jeanine on 7 January 2022 at 05:33
  
  It is pretty amazing it’s small in size but big on things to see…
  Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

One Day in Hobart Tasmania - 24 Hour Layovers - […] you come and explore Tasmania a visit to Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city, is often at the top of…
11 Best Luxury Stays in Launceston - […] Come Explore Tasmania […]
15 Best Tamar Valley wineries a must to visit - […] Come Explore Tasmania […]
6 Luxury Accommodation Styles Pros and Cons - […] Come Explore Tasmania […]
13 Best One Day Itineraries around Launceston - […] Come Explore Tasmania […]
13 Towns not to be missed when visiting Tasmania - The Winged Fork - […] there are many places & towns you must see when visiting Tasmania, there are just some towns not to…
Coming to Tasmania, should you fly or float? - https://letsgoawandering.com - […] Tasmania […]
13 Must Do One Day Itineraries around Hobart - […] Tasmania […]
13 Best Luxury Hotels to Stay in Hobart - https://letsgoawandering.com - […] Tasmania […]

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Join us on our Journey!!

Subscribe & receive our newsletter with all the latest updates to content, products & more.

by JeanineJan 5, 2022

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.